Flight

“Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.”

- St. Francis

Over twelve months since … Time goes so darn quick

Not much has been written over the past 12 months, as life has been MORE than a bit crazy … even by my standards. 

And that was BEFORE the pandemic hit.

In this epistle, I want to give a huge shout out to some specific people that have helped me get to a relatively stable point (at the moment). But first, the story – shortened of course. 
This time last year, there was a distinct undercurrent of increasing pain and further disability with my hands, culminating with my specialist directly stating I should be looking at something else, rather than the making pathway. So, should I pursue an academic career and push further into doing a PhD? Should I go back to painting and drawing? Should I look at something completely different again?  
So many questions, so many possibilities, so much dis-spiritedness, so much doubt. 
Then, came the crazies!  
The second half of the year consisted of: leading a wonderful group field trip out to the desert at Fowlers Gap and Broken Hill; the honour of curating a group show as part of Sydney Fringe Festival at Annandale Creative Arts Centre; then the associated celebration and trauma of a wedding and illness; then a separate sudden death; a couple of group shows; and some sales!  
And then 2020 started with a wonderful conference of Faith And The Arts (FATA) in Tasmania. Both the action of leading an elective (Land Art) and sitting under some great teaching has led to a renewed purpose in my work. 

Now for the shout outs. Over this time, several specific individuals (plus many others too!) have significantly shifted my mindset and have boosted the confidence in my ability. 
Helen Wright – lovely leader and Pastor at ACAC. Thank you for your confidence and support that you show, not just to me, but to the whole community you touch. 
Heather Bradbury – allowing me the privilege of having my work in Kapi Art Space, and then facilitating actual sales of my work!  
Because of the support of these two, in particular, I decided to try to continue with my making, but on a smaller scale. No more large commissions, trying to limit the amount of intense production pushing the boundaries of what my hands could do – basically, sensible planning. [Now that has never been a byword phrase for me at the best of times, so we shall see how it goes] 
Since the New Year, several more pieces have fallen into place.  
Carl Noonan – just the relatively brief, but intense, conversation we had, and the targeted evaluation of my artistic career was valuable beyond words. 
Russell McKane – wise words and friendship at the right time, nothing else needs to be said. 
Rhonda Castle – current partner in crime for a (now delayed) upcoming show, the drive and support she gives out is inspiring to say the least. 
 
I could go on with a list of very significant friends who have been there in this crazy last 12 months: Tony E, Warwick S, Craig G, Angela F, Stuart M, Kiki T, Amanda & James H … but there will always be a disservice to someone (especially with my memory!), so wanted to single out those five who have been in the right place, at the right time. 
 
Where to now? 
Making, and making some fun, stimulating and work that I find very exciting. 
Next: given what is happening in the world that is a VERY good question – but I am going to keep on.